Phil de Fries is eager for a match-up with Francis Ngannou upon his return to MMA, believing he is the best possible opponent for the heavyweight champion. After successfully defending his KSW heavyweight title and securing his ninth straight title defense, de Fries sets his sights on the ultimate challenge – taking on Ngannou.
Confident in his abilities, de Fries expressed, “I honestly feel like I’m superior to most heavyweights in the world. I spar exceptionally well and hold my own against the best. I see myself as a threat to anyone, and a fight with Ngannou would be a dream come true. I wouldn’t mind being considered the underdog for once.”
Recognizing the hurdles involved, de Fries acknowledges that a potential fight with Ngannou would likely require a cross-promotion, given his current contract obligations with KSW and Ngannou’s recent signing with the PFL. Nonetheless, he remains hopeful that such an opportunity can materialize, convinced that his grappling skills make him the right candidate to take on Ngannou.
Despite acknowledging the long shot, de Fries remains optimistic, stating, “It’s probably a stretch, but it’s a fight I believe I can win and one that fans would love to see. If not me, then who else could challenge him?”
If an agreement between the promotions proves elusive, de Fries contemplates the possibility of parting ways with KSW after his contract ends. The prospect of facing Ngannou, who has a deal that guarantees a minimum of $2 million for his future opponents, is too tempting for de Fries to ignore. He views it as a life-changing payday, and it fuels his desire to pursue the fight.
While waiting for a potential bout with Ngannou, de Fries is aware that Ngannou has a boxing match with Tyson Fury on the horizon. In an intriguing twist, de Fries may even assist Fury in his preparations, given his grappling expertise. He considers Fury to be a clever boxer and expects an exciting clash between the two heavyweights.
In conclusion, Phil de Fries is keen on challenging Francis Ngannou and believes he has what it takes to secure a victory. Whether it’s through a cross-promotion or exploring other opportunities, de Fries remains determined to prove himself as a worthy opponent for the heavyweight champion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou
Q: Who is Phil de Fries?
A: Phil de Fries is a British MMA fighter and the current KSW heavyweight champion. He has successfully defended his title multiple times and holds an impressive winning streak.
Q: What was Phil de Fries’ latest victory?
A: Phil de Fries’ latest victory was at KSW 84, where he secured a second-round submission win over Szymon Bajor.
Q: Why does Phil de Fries want to fight Francis Ngannou?
A: Phil de Fries believes he is one of the best heavyweights in the world and sees Francis Ngannou as the ultimate challenge. He considers himself a strong grappler, which he believes is essential to defeat a powerful striker like Ngannou.
Q: Is a fight between Phil de Fries and Francis Ngannou possible?
A: A fight between the two would require a cross-promotion since de Fries still has one fight left on his current KSW contract, and Ngannou is signed with the PFL. While it may be a long shot, de Fries is hopeful that such a fight can be arranged.
Q: What is the significance of the $2 million payday mentioned by Phil de Fries?
A: The $2 million payday refers to the minimum amount that an opponent of Francis Ngannou would receive as part of his contract with the PFL. This substantial sum has piqued de Fries’ interest and serves as additional motivation for him to pursue a fight with Ngannou.
Q: Who else does Phil de Fries believe can challenge Francis Ngannou?
A: Phil de Fries sees himself as the best possible opponent for Ngannou and asks, “If not me, who else?” He firmly believes in his abilities and sees no one else as a more suitable challenger.
Q: What are Phil de Fries’ thoughts on Tyson Fury’s upcoming boxing match with Francis Ngannou?
A: Phil de Fries thinks Tyson Fury is a clever boxer and predicts an exciting clash between Fury and Ngannou. In fact, there’s a possibility that de Fries may be called in to help Fury prepare for the bout due to his grappling skills.
Q: Would Phil de Fries consider leaving KSW for the opportunity to fight Francis Ngannou?
A: Yes, Phil de Fries is open to exploring other opportunities, including parting ways with KSW after his contract ends, if it leads to a chance to face Francis Ngannou and the potential $2 million payday.
Q: How many consecutive title defenses has Phil de Fries achieved?
A: Phil de Fries has successfully defended his KSW heavyweight title nine times in a row, making him a dominant force in the division.
Q: Is a fight between Phil de Fries and Francis Ngannou highly anticipated by fans?
A: Yes, Phil de Fries believes that fans would love to see a match-up between him and Francis Ngannou, given their respective skills and fighting styles.
More about heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou
- KSW Official Website
- Francis Ngannou’s PFL Profile
- Phil de Fries’ Fighter Profile
- Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour Interview with Phil de Fries
- Tyson Fury’s Boxing Record
- Gordon Ryan’s Grappling Achievements
- KSW Heavyweight Championship History
